Buyers & Sellers
Real Estate & Escrow Process
Wire Transfer Fraud
For Sale By Owner
Resources
At Pioneer Title Agency, we’re committed to making your real estate journey as smooth and informed as possible. Whether you’re buying or selling, our step-by-step guides help you understand what to expect during the escrow process—every step of the way
Compare lenders, determine your budget, and get pre-qualified
Choose a real estate agent
Tour properties
Choose a home
Write and present your offer
Negotiate terms and/or seller accepts your offer
Escrow officer orders title and preliminary report. We will conduct a search on property and sellers: owners of record, liens, divorces, etc.
Deposit earnest money in escrow
Escrow officer sends escrow and title fees to the lender
Complete initial title and escrow instructions
Lender orders appraisal. Appraisals ensure the property is valued accurately. A licensed or certified appraiser will assess the size and condition of the property along with additional upgrades and features, then compare to similar houses in the area to determine what the property is worth
Order and complete inspections
Agree upon any additional negotiations. You have the option to submit a Buyer Inspection Notice Seller Response (BINSR) to the seller regarding the condition of the property and ask for items to be repaired or remedied
Supply lender with proof of homeowner’s insurance
Complete loan process
Order a home warranty (if applicable)
Schedule your signing appointment
Review closing documents before closing appointment
Sign loan documents (lender sends to Pioneer Title Agency)
Sign title and escrow documentation
Stretch your hands—there’s a lot of paperwork to sign.
Submit down payment and escrow closing costs. Choosing to wire your closing funds? Watch out for Wire Transfer Fraud!
Lender submits funds to escrow for disbursement
Deed is recorded
Escrow is closed
In Arizona, escrow is closed—and buyers can receive the keys—when the necessary documents are recorded with the county recorder
Pop that bottle and toss the confetti! You just bought a house!
Change your locks
Set up utilities
Complete repairs
Clean your new home
Unpack
Explore your neighborhood
Keep an eye in the mail for important documents from PTA
Choose a real estate agent
Prepare and stage your home
List your property
Your agent begins marketing (i.e. open houses, internet marketing, etc.)
Receive and review offer(s)
Negotiate terms and/or accept offer
Escrow officer orders title and preliminary report. We will conduct a search on property and sellers: owners of record, liens, divorces, etc.
Complete initial title and escrow instruction
Complete payoffs and other requirements to clear title
Appraisal and inspections ordered and completed. Appraisals ensure the property is valued accurately. A licensed or certified appraiser will assess the size and condition of the property along with additional upgrades and features, then compare to similar houses in the area to determine what the property is worth
Agree upon any additional negotiations.
Buyer may submit a Buyer Inspection Notice Seller Response (BINSR) to the seller regarding the condition of the property and ask for items to be repaired or remedied
Schedule your signing appointment. A government-issued photo ID (sorry, your Costco membership doesn’t count), a cashier’s check for your closing funds, confetti (okay, not required, but totally acceptable)
Review closing documents before closing appointment
Sign title and escrow documentation
Stretch your hands—there’s a lot of paperwork to sign.
Submit closing escrow closing costs. Choosing to wire your closing funds? Watch out for Wire Transfer Fraud!
Funds are dispersed
Deed is recorded
Escrow is closed
In Arizona, escrow is closed—and buyers can receive the keys—when the necessary documents are recorded with the county recorder
Pop that bottle and toss the confetti! You just bought a house!
Pack up your belongings
Transport valuables
Cancel utilities
Empty/defrost refrigerators
Change your address
Keep an eye in the mail for additional important documents from PTA
WTF! Every day, hackers try to steal money by emailing or calling with fake wire instructions. The scariest part: they’re often successful! We cannot stress this enough: the wire instructions you receive in your opening package will not change. Always verify wiring instructions by calling your Pioneer Title Agency Escrow Officer and speaking to someone in-person.
Thinking of selling your home on your own? We can help! From marketing materials to worksheets, and even a handy workbook, we’re here to support you from start to close.
Need a little extra support? We’ve got what you need.
Our guides are designed to help you through the process. Click on the links below for more information.
Create a flyer using our flyer creator. Add your branding and get creative, or request a property profile to learn specifics about a parcel you’re interested in.
